Neuroprosthetic System for Spinal Cord Injury

(NNP-UE+T Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Kevin Kilgore

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Neurological conditions, Cardiopulmonary disease, others

No Placebo Group

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study is to evaluate the use of a fully implanted device for providing hand function, reach, and trunk function to individuals with cervical spinal cord injury. Funding Sources: FDA OOPD NIH NINDS

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have conditions like severe cardiopulmonary disease or are on medications that interact with implantable devices, you might need to discuss this with the trial team.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Networked Neuroprosthetic System for Grasp and Trunk in individuals with spinal cord injury?

Research shows that the Networked Neuroprosthesis (NNP) system is functional and capable of generating stimulus pulses and recording signals, and an advanced neuroprosthesis has been shown to improve grasp strength, range of motion, and independence in daily activities for individuals with cervical level spinal cord injury, with no medical complications reported. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Networked Neuroprosthetic System safe for humans?

The Networked Neuroprosthetic System has been tested in people with spinal cord injuries and has shown to be safe, with no medical complications reported from the implanted components. The system has been used for over 20 years in some cases, demonstrating its durability and safety. ^{1 3 5 6 7}

How is the Networked Neuroprosthetic System treatment different from other treatments for spinal cord injury?

The Networked Neuroprosthetic System (NNP) is unique because it is a fully implanted modular system that can restore multiple functions by electrically activating paralyzed muscles in coordinated patterns. Unlike traditional single-device neuroprostheses, the NNP uses a networked approach with multiple modules for power, signal processing, and stimulation, allowing for more complex and customizable control of muscle movements. ^{1 2 3 4 8}

Research Team

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals over 16 years old with cervical spinal cord injuries (C4-C8 level, AIS grade A-D) who are at least six months post-injury. Participants must have some arm and trunk muscle strength, be medically stable for surgery, and willing to participate. Pregnant women, those with certain neurological conditions or severe diseases, active infections, or other implantable devices are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

I am older than 16 years.

I have a spinal cord injury at the neck level and it's been over 6 months since the injury.

My arm and trunk muscles respond well to stimulation.

Exclusion Criteria

You have other implanted medical devices that might not work well with the new implant.

You have a pacemaker or defibrillator, unless there are specific exceptions.

I have fractures that stop me from using my arm or body properly.

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Implantation and Initial Assessment

Participants receive the implanted networked neuroprosthetic system and undergo initial functional training and assessment

4-6 weeks

Functional Training and Assessment

Participants undergo functional training and assessment to optimize the use of the neuroprosthetic system for hand, arm, and trunk function

3 months

Regular in-person visits for training and assessment

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the initial training and assessment phase

3 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Networked Neuroprosthetic System for Grasp and Trunk (Neuroprosthetic Device)

Trial Overview The study tests a fully implanted neuroprosthetic system designed to restore hand function, reach ability, and trunk control in people with cervical spinal cord injuries. It aims to evaluate the device's effectiveness in improving motor functions that were affected by the injury.

Participant Groups

Group I: Intervention - implant neuroprosthesis Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Receives implanted networked neuroprosthetic system for hand, arm, and trunk function. Undergoes functional training and assessment.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Kevin Kilgore

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

30+

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Collaborator

Trials

1,403

Recruited

655,000+

Jordan Gladman

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Chief Medical Officer

MD from Harvard Medical School

Walter J. Koroshetz

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

Chief Executive Officer since 2007

MD from the University of Chicago

Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs

Collaborator

Trials

59

Recruited

10,600+

Colonel Mark G. Hartell

Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs

Director, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs since 2022

PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Auburn University, MS in Biophysical Chemistry from Ohio State University, BS in Chemistry from State University of New York at Oswego

Dr. Sarah Goldman

Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs

Chief Medical Officer since 2023

MD

Case Western Reserve University

Collaborator

Trials

314

Recruited

236,000+

Eric W. Kaler

Case Western Reserve University

Chief Executive Officer since 2021

PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota

Stanton L. Gerson

Case Western Reserve University

Chief Medical Officer since 2020

MD from Harvard Medical School

FDA Orphan Products Division

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

30+

Findings from Research

In a study involving 12 participants with motor complete spinal cord injury, significant electrical activity was detected in 89% of the muscles below the injury level, indicating that these muscles can potentially serve as command sources for neuroprostheses.

At least two muscles from each participant showed enough activity to be considered viable command signals, suggesting that even in cases of clinically complete spinal cord injury, some voluntary control may still exist and can be harnessed for restoring movement functions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A novel command signal for motor neuroprosthetic control. Moss, CW., Kilgore, KL., Peckham, PH.[2021]

The implanted neuroprosthesis successfully restored arm and hand function in two individuals with high-level tetraplegia, demonstrating functionality for at least 2.5 years post-implantation.

Both participants were able to achieve movements in the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder, allowing them to perform some activities of daily living, although they required a mobile arm support due to limitations from spasticity.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implanted neuroprosthesis for restoring arm and hand function in people with high level tetraplegia. Memberg, WD., Polasek, KH., Hart, RL., et al.[2021]

The NESS Handmaster neuroprosthesis was found to be safe and effective for improving hand function in individuals with C5 or C6 tetraplegia, with all 7 participants successfully completing daily living tasks after using the device.

Participants showed significant improvements in grip strength (from 0.57 N to 16.5 N) and finger motion (from 0 cm to 8.4 cm), with no safety issues reported, and 6 out of 7 subjects rated their performance as 'excellent' after the intervention.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Persons with C5 or C6 tetraplegia achieve selected functional gains using a neuroprosthesis. Alon, G., McBride, K.[2019]

Neuroprosthetic systems for upper extremity use in spinal cord injured individuals have been successfully implanted for over 20 years, demonstrating significant long-term durability.

The implanted components, especially the stimulating electrodes and leads, have shown a high level of durability, which is crucial for devices expected to function for potentially over 50 years.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Twenty year experience with implanted neuroprostheses. Kilgore, KL., Peckham, P., Keith, MW.[2020]

In a study involving 19 patients with complete thoracic spinal cord injury, the Neuro-Spinal Scaffold (NSS) implantation was found to be safe, with no serious adverse effects reported over a 24-month follow-up period.

44% of evaluable patients showed neurological improvement, with some achieving higher ASIA Impairment Scale grades at 12 and 24 months, indicating potential long-term benefits of the NSS in promoting recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute Implantation of a Bioresorbable Polymer Scaffold in Patients With Complete Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury: 24-Month Follow-up From the INSPIRE Study. Kim, KD., Lee, KS., Coric, D., et al.[2023]

The Freehand system is the first implantable neuroprosthesis that helps tetraplegic patients with stable shoulder function regain grasp and hold capabilities, significantly improving their ability to perform daily activities.

Successful use of the neuroprosthesis relies on careful preoperative planning, muscle stimulation, and tailored rehabilitation, which together enhance patients' quality of life and independence.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neuroprosthetics of the upper extremity--clinical application in spinal cord injury and future perspectives. Rupp, R., Gerner, HJ.[2005]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Design and Testing of Stimulation and Myoelectric Recording Modules in an Implanted Distributed Neuroprosthetic System. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A novel command signal for motor neuroprosthetic control. [2021]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An advanced neuroprosthesis for restoration of hand and upper arm control using an implantable controller. [2019]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implanted neuroprosthesis for restoring arm and hand function in people with high level tetraplegia. [2021]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Persons with C5 or C6 tetraplegia achieve selected functional gains using a neuroprosthesis. [2019]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Twenty year experience with implanted neuroprostheses. [2020]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute Implantation of a Bioresorbable Polymer Scaffold in Patients With Complete Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury: 24-Month Follow-up From the INSPIRE Study. [2023]

8. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neuroprosthetics of the upper extremity--clinical application in spinal cord injury and future perspectives. [2005]